2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;for understanding words of insight;3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,doing what is right and just and fair;4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,a]">[a]knowledge and discretionto the young—5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,and let the discerning get guidance—6 for understanding proverbs and parables,the sayings and riddlesof the wise.b]">[b]

7 The fear of theLordis the beginning of knowledge,but foolsc]">[c]despise wisdomand instruction.

III. Avoid EVIL doers (1:8-19).

Warning Against the Invitation of Sinful Men

8 Listen, my son, to your father’s instructionand do not forsake your mother’s teaching.9 They are a garland to grace your headand a chain to adorn your neck.

10 My son, if sinful men entice you,do not give in to them.11 If they say, “Come along with us;let’s lie in wait for innocent blood,let’s ambush some harmless soul;12 let’s swallow them alive, like the grave,and whole, like those who go down to the pit;13 we will get all sorts of valuable thingsand fill our houses with plunder;14 cast lots with us;we will all share the loot”—15 my son, do not go along with them,do not set foot on their paths;16 for their feet rush into evil,they are swift to shed blood.17 How useless to spread a netwhere every bird can see it!18 These men lie in wait for their own blood;they ambush only themselves!19 Such are the paths of all who go after ill-gotten gain;it takes away the life of those who get it.